'Petri dishes' makeup testers are brimming with germs

Iafrica.com reports that US TV show 'Good Morning America' went undercover to test makeup samples in 10 stores across two American states. They took swab samples from lipstick, eyeshadow, concealer and other beauty products from various department stores which they then sent off to be analysed at the New York University's microbiology department.

The results showed that most samples were brimming with germs - a result of hundreds of people trying them out on a daily basis. One in every five samples displayed significant growth of mould, yeast and bacteria and results showed that foundation, brushes, eyeliner and eyeshadows had the most bacteria. The team also found that beauty samples are only replaced once or twice a year.

'Allure' editor-in-chief, Linda Wells, said: "To me, makeup testers are like Petri dishes: I would not want to go near one. There are better ways to do it." According to Iafrica.com, makeup experts suggest using the foundation samples on the neck rather than the face. When choosing a lipstick colour, one should rather use the top of the hand instead of the lips. When it comes to eyeliner and eyeshadows, a disposable applicator, such as a clean earbud, is best.

Read the full article on http://lifestyle.iafrica.com.